BISP director acts on illegal deductions complaints
Following numerous complaints of illegal deductions from Benazir Income Support Program (BISP) payments to eligible women, the Director of BISP Thatta district, Jaffar Hussain Panhwar, conducted surprise inspections of distribution centers, including in Makli.
During the operation, authorities blocked over six devices used by individuals involved in these illegal deductions.
Speaking to the media, Director Panhwar stated that the government has disbursed Rs13,500 each to over 80,000 deserving women in the district, establishing various distribution points for easy access to funds.
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Express Tribune
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BISP reforms
Listen to article The Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) was set up to alleviate poverty and provide financial assistance to the most vulnerable sections of society. However, recent protests by women beneficiaries have highlighted how unscrupulous BISP employees and scammers are harassing and defrauding them. Many women have reported being harassed via thinly veiled advances and promises of better payouts or the resolution of any payment problems. Others alleged corruption, including straight-up fraud through illegal and unjustified deductions. Some women who are unfamiliar with how debit cards work have also been scammed out of their money at ATMs. These abuses not only undermine the programme's integrity but also deepen the frustrations faced by those it was designed to aid. For many women, especially widows and lower-skilled workers, the BISP is the only thing keeping them out of poverty. The alleged illegal deductions of Rs2,000 to over Rs3,000, can represent a significant loss for families living on the edge of subsistence — at minimum, the deductions amount to between 15% and 25% of the monthly payments to every deserving individual or family. Unfortunately, the harassment and hardship that come with getting BISP support may not be worth it for many women. Indeed, some women stop seeking any assistance to avoid being forced into an environment of fear. BISP reforms to make women more comfortable and safe must ensure transparent processes and enforce strict penalties against those who exploit the system. Increased oversight, proper training for staff and the establishment of complaint mechanisms can help restore trust. And as for citizens who still feel the barely-funded BISP is an unnecessary expense, we must remind that in its heyday, BISP earned praise from the IMF, World Bank and several countries for its contributions to society, including references to the programme as one that should be copied all over the developing world.
Express Tribune
14-05-2025
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BISP beneficiaries protest over illegal cuts
A woman shares her ordeal of illegal deduction from BISP allocations allegedly by officials at a government school in New Karachi. Photo: express Women staged a protest in a government school situated in New Karachi, over alleged deductions from payments being distributed under the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP). They accused the staff of bribery and harassment. On receiving reports of the protest, officers from Bilal Colony police and other officials reached the scene. According to a statement, issued by SSP Central Zeeshan Shafiq Siddiqui, authorities received information about alleged deductions from BISP payments at the New Karachi Government School. The affected women staged a protest inside the school, accusing the staff of taking bribes and harassing them. It was alleged that the staff was deducting amounts ranging from Rs2,000 to over Rs3,000 from different individuals. Besides the deductions, women also alleged, they were being harassed inside the school premises. SSP Central stated that police are currently gathering more information and conducting further investigation into the allegations made by the women. DSP New Karachi was present at the site along with police personnel, while district administration officials were also present at the school. When contacted, SHO Bilal Colony Nasir Khan confirmed that the police recorded statements of the affected women regarding the allegations of deductions at the government school located in New Karachi's Sector 5-E. Senior officers have been informed, and further legal action will be taken based on their directives. Video statements of women, who had gone to collect their BISP payments, have also gone viral on social media. In the videos, women allege that they were harassed, money was allegedly deducted, bribes were demanded, and they were called into separate rooms, among other accusations. Some women also stated that they had been visiting the centre for several days to collect their payments but were still not paid.
Express Tribune
07-05-2025
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BISP director acts on illegal deductions complaints
Following numerous complaints of illegal deductions from Benazir Income Support Program (BISP) payments to eligible women, the Director of BISP Thatta district, Jaffar Hussain Panhwar, conducted surprise inspections of distribution centers, including in Makli. During the operation, authorities blocked over six devices used by individuals involved in these illegal deductions. Speaking to the media, Director Panhwar stated that the government has disbursed Rs13,500 each to over 80,000 deserving women in the district, establishing various distribution points for easy access to funds.
